... is this also an equalizer hitch, or is that something you need in addition to this/don't need if you get this?

That's one example of a weight-distributing hitch (WDH) system.

"Equal-i-zer" is just a brand name of WDH, improperly applied by Escape Trailer Industries to one of the WDH's that they sell, even though it is a different brand. When many people say "an equalizer hitch", they don't specifically mean a Equal-i-zer WDH, but just any WDH.

"Equal-i-zer" is just a brand name of WDH, improperly applied by Escape Trailer Industries to one of the WDH's that they sell, even though it is a different brand. When many people say "an equalizer hitch", they don't specifically mean a Equal-i-zer WDH, but just any WDH.

you've rocked my world, and quite possible explained my confusion over a few other posts elsewhere. i, in fact, did not mean to post my question in this thread and hi-jack the original subject, but I'm glad to read your response.

so ETI actually sells THREE weight distribution options? there's the pro-series 600lb Trunnion, the same with sway control, then the E2 by Fastway integrated sway control and WDH. up until now i thought the last was the only option. how do I choose between the last two?

The scale arrived today. 10 days from Canada to Florida is pretty good. Total cost with the foreign currency conversion fee and shipping was $35.48.
The scale was made in Taiwan and has a nice feel to it. It is not thin metal and the welding at the base is well done. The markings are debossed and the finish appears to be powder coated. I'll compare it to the Sherline one day this week when I get a chance but based on what I see so far I imagine it will be close enough to make it a useful addition to my storage box.

I checked the scale against the Sherline.
Setting up to have the trailer level when it reached the reading had the Sherline showing just to the left of the 560 Lb mark. So it had around 550 to 555 Lbs displayed.
Doing the same for the new scale had it just under the 600 Lb mark so maybe 585-590. The Sherline is fairly accurate at midpoint so this one is about 30 Lbs different than the Sherline. I took multiple reads with both and they settled to the same readings each time.
A quick check for excessive or not enough weight while traveling will be easy with the new scale. It is 20 inches long so I used the 4 stabilizer pads to set it up to be level when it reached the reading.
This is not the normal hitch weight, the hitch is stored inside the doorway along with other items so it is reading about 75 Lbs higher than normal.

The scale arrived today. 10 days from Canada to Florida is pretty good. Total cost with the foreign currency conversion fee and shipping was $35.48.
The scale was made in Taiwan and has a nice feel to it. It is not thin metal and the welding at the base is well done. The markings are debossed and the finish appears to be powder coated. I'll compare it to the Sherline one day this week when I get a chance but based on what I see so far I imagine it will be close enough to make it a useful addition to my storage box.

Hi: wetzk... I use a "Belt line scale" and I carry only Lite Beer and Slim Fast. Stop in for a "Barley sandwich" at Sebring. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie